Through the next few weeks, I’ll highlight each New York team (and their opposition) on both sides of the ball. Granted, some free agency moves will happen in the next few months, but these articles should give fans a general idea for the structure of each division. Without further delay, here is the preview of 2012 New York Giants offense.

After taking down the Pats for the second time in four years, Eli Manning extinguished the Is Eli, Elite? questions forever. Eli has had his share of hiccups, leading the NFL twice in interceptions thrown, but his superb playoff play has vaulted him into the conversation with the game’s very best. Last year, Eli threw for a career high 4,933 yards and led seven (7!) fourth quarter comebacks. At 31-years-old, Eli is one of the most durable (119 straight starts) and best QBs in the league. Eli has now posted three straight seasons of 4,000+ yard, 27+ TD campaigns. Eli is elite, period.

Like Eli, David Carr was a first overall pick, but quite simply, he didn’t live up to expectations. However, entering his fourth year as Eli’s backup, Carr helps Eli with preparation and film study. Not bad for a guy that was the Most Sacked player during his tenure with the Houston Texans.

During Bradshaw’s five seasons with the Giants, he has missed at least one game each season. With long-time backfield mate Brandon Jacobs wearing 49er red, Bradshaw will be the heart of the Giant rushing attack. For most of his Giant career, Bradshaw has been a part-time player, spelling the larger Jacobs and delivering high-effort plays. However, the wear and tear, particularly to his feet, has worn down the 26-year-old back. Last season as the ‘starter’, Bradshaw only started 9 of 16 games and averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. Luckily for Giants’ fans, Bradshaw rumbled for 91 yards and TD in the Super Bowl, extinguishing bad memories from his regular season. After having bone morrow injections in his feet in April, the Giants will closely monitor Bradshaw’s health.

Given Bradshaw’s annual injuries and the departure of Jacobs, the Giants used their first round draft pick to nab David Wilson. I outlined Wilson here, but in short, he’s an explosive play maker that must improve his pass-catching and pass-blocking abilities. Wilson has the ability to push Bradshaw for the job, but the Giants would prefer to slowly bring along their newest RB. Elsewhere, Danny Ware has some experience, but I can’t get too excited about his prospects.

Fullback, Henry Hynoski is an absolute brute of a fullback. When the Giants ran I-back formations, Hynoski took pride in delivering punishing hits to inside linebackers and defensive ends. The Giants used primarily a spread passing attack last season, so Hynoski’s opportunities were limited.

Despite breaking his foot last week, Hakeem Nicks has lived up to his lofty billing. Now regarded as one of the best WRs in the game, Nicks has averaged over 1,100 yards and 9 TDs in his last two seasons. Only 24-years-old, Nicks has room for growth and improvement. He is a great route runner, a strong receiver that fights for position, and has shown the ability to make tough catches. The foot injury will impact his conditioning and ‘football shape’, but the Giants fully expect to have him against Dallas on the Opening Weekend. While Nicks has lived up to his hype, no one thought Victor Cruz would be even better.

Cruz broke onto the scene in Week 3 last year, grabbing two touchdown and posting over 100 yards. From then on, Cruz solidified the slot and finished third in receiving yards (1,536). Cruz’s season was flat-out dominant and there’s no reason to expect a significant drop-off in 2012.

Alike Jacobs, Mario Manningham joined the 49ers this off-season, creating a void at the Giants’ WR3 slot. However, as we saw with Steve Smith last year, the Giants always have a plan and quickly replace WRs. While Jernigan and Hixon had virtually no impact last year, they’ll be given the opportunity to compete with second-round pick, Rueben Randle. Randle is a big, physical receiver, checking in at 6’3″, 210 pounds. His Manningham-esk profile should help the Giants’ in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

Both Ballard and Beckum suffered knee injuries during the Super Bowl, leaving much doubt and concern about their 2012 roles. Beckum, who tore his ACL, should be back for training camp, but ACL injuries are very, very tricky. Ballard, who posted 611 yards, had microfracture surgery on his knee and may not play this season.

To bolster their tight end depth, the Giants signed free agent, Martellus Bennett and drafted Adrien Robinson in the fourth round. Bennett served as Jason Witten’s backup during his Dallas days and was primarily a blocking tight end. Jerry Reese coined Robinson as ‘the JPP of Tight Ends’, which is very encouraging. Robinson is a load, checking in at 6’4″, 260 pounds and possesses a sizable vertical leap. However, as we’ve seen with Antonio Gates and Jermichael Finley, prospects like these take time to develop. Not everyone is Jimmy Graham.

For now, Bennett is the likely starter while Beckum should back him up.

Check back tomorrow as we highlight the Giants’ offensive line and special teams units.

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